'Food for Thought' highlights local products

A local radio program that interviews Humboldt County residents involved in all aspects food will celebrate its fifth year this spring.

"Food for Thought," which airs on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on KHSU located at Humboldt State University, is co-produced by Jennifer Bell and Jessica Eden. It profiles farmers, gardeners, food producers, restaurateurs and others in the county interested in eating locally.

Bell, who hosts the programs, said if you're going to eat locally, there's no better place than Humboldt County.

"Our program helps make the audience more likely to want to buy locally and support the local food community, because it facilitates a personal connection between them and the interviewees," Bell said. "A lot of times people don't know the story of how others in the community came into the food business or became a farmer, and it's interesting to them."

Eden, who is the sound engineer, said the program is very conversational and accessible.

Henry Robertson, of Henry's Olives, was a guest on the program a few years ago, and said being interviewed by Bell and Eden was just a friendly meeting.

"I am in total admiration of the focus they have brought to local food businesses," Robertson said. "It's a great service."

The program has had about 150 shows, but Eden said she and Bell have realized how many more local people there are to interview.

"It's blown our minds just how much great stuff is happening in our region," Eden said. "There's so much to highlight. We live in a really articulate, humble community. Many of our guests have introduced us to the next set of people we interview.

"There's an incredibly healthy web of people working in concert with one another, whether they realize it or not, to make our community a strong, fertile place for living well," Eden said.

As for future plans, Eden said she and Bell hope to continue to expand their range of discussions, working to keep exposing folks to the farmer's end, consumer's end and nonprofits.

"All aspects of health, environment and community connection are very important to both of us," Eden said. "We're also hoping to expand into the visual realm, with video and still photography, as well."